World leaders have descended on Baku, Azerbaijan, as COP29 kicks off with a critical mission: forging a new global climate finance target to replace the $100 billion annual pledge from wealthy nations to developing countries.
Dubbed the 'moment of truth' by organizers, this year's UN climate summit will tackle carbon market regulations and accelerating the transition from fossil fuels – hot topics for young activists and policymakers alike.
'This conference will test our commitment to the Paris Agreement,' declared COP29 President-Designate Mukhtar Babayev, emphasizing the need for urgent, unified action. The stakes? Nothing less than keeping the 1.5°C climate goal alive.
With over 190 countries negotiating, all eyes are on whether nations can bridge divides and deliver concrete plans ahead of 2025 – when the new funding framework takes effect.
